Dual fan convection performance divider

ABSTRACT

An oven includes an interior cavity and a convection heating system for developing a flow of heated air within the interior cavity. The convection heating system includes a plurality of fans to provide a plurality of airflows, and a single convection heating element for heating the plurality of airflows. A shroud is arranged in covering relationship over the convection heating system and includes at least one intake aperture, and a plurality of exhaust apertures for discharging air from the plurality of fans back into the interior cavity. A baffle is located within the shroud and generally between adjacent ones of the plurality of fans. The baffle inhibits mixture of the airflows of each of the fans within the shroud. In one example, a first fan provides a first airflow, a second fan providing a second airflow, and the baffle inhibits mixture of the first and second airflows within shroud.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an oven having a convectionheating system, and more particularly, to an oven having a convectionheating system with a plurality of fans to control airflow within theoven.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Appliances, such as ovens, often have one or more racks generally withinthe appliance for the placing of cookware, food, and other items withinthe oven. Additionally, one or more heating elements are provided forheating and cooking the food or other items located within the oven.

In a conventional oven, the oven cavity temperature is controlled by atemperature regulator that turns the heating element on or off asnecessary. In addition or alternatively, some ovens further include aconvection heating system that typically includes either a gas-firedcombustion chamber separate from the oven cavity, or a resistive heatingelement energized by an electric current, but may also include othertypes of heating elements such as, for example, an infrared energysource.

A convection oven heats an object in an oven cavity by transferring heatenergy from heating elements to the object by circulation of a gaswithin the oven cavity. Typically, a thermal sensor senses thetemperature of the gas and a regulator controls the operation of theheating elements in response to the sensed temperature to maintain adesired operating temperature in the oven cavity. Although thecirculated gas in a convection oven for cooking food is typically air,other gases may be employed such as nitrogen, steam, or combustion gasesfrom gas-fired burners, depending upon the oven application. Thus,although convection ovens are commonly used for cooking and baking food,convection oven applications are not limited to cooking and baking.Convection ovens may also be employed in industrial or commercialapplications that do not directly cook food.

It is generally known that using a blower, such as a fan, to promote aircirculation can dramatically improve the uniformity of air temperaturedistribution within the oven cavity of a convection oven. However,unmanaged air flow can still be uneven, leading to undesirable cookingor drying of foods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended toidentify neither key nor critical elements of the invention nordelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an oven isprovided that includes a main body portion including an interior cavity,and a convection heating system for developing a flow of heated airwithin the interior cavity. The convection heating system includes aplurality of fans each rotating in the same direction to provide aplurality of airflows, and a single convection heating element forheating the plurality of airflows. A shroud is arranged in coveringrelationship over the convection heating system and includes at leastone intake aperture for supplying air from the interior cavity to theplurality of fans, and a plurality of exhaust apertures for dischargingair from the plurality of fans back into the interior cavity. A baffleis located within the shroud and generally between adjacent ones of theplurality of fans. The baffle inhibits mixture of the airflows of eachof the fans within the shroud.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an ovenincludes a main body portion including an interior oven cavity, and aconvection heating system for developing a flow of heated air within theinterior oven cavity. The convection heating system includes a first fanproviding a first airflow, a second fan providing a second airflow androtating in the same direction as the first fan, and a convectionheating element for heating both of the first and second airflows. Abracket is coupled to the inner wall for securing the single heatingelement to the inner wall. A shroud is arranged in covering relationshipover the convection heating system and the bracket. The shroud furtherincludes at least one intake aperture for supplying air from theinterior oven cavity to the first and second fans and a plurality ofexhaust apertures for discharging the first and second airflows backinto the interior oven cavity. A baffle is located within the shroud andgenerally between the first and second fans. The baffle is coupled to aportion of the bracket for maintaining the location of the baffle duringoperation of the convection heating system. The baffle inhibits mixtureof the first and second airflows within shroud.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an ovenincludes a main body portion including an interior oven cavity, and aconvection heating system for developing a flow of heated air within theinterior oven cavity. The convection heating system includes a firstrotatable fan providing a first airflow, a second rotatable fanproviding a second airflow and rotating in the same direction as thefirst rotatable fan, and a single convection heating element for heatingboth of the first and second airflows. Each of the fans and theconvection heating element are coupled to an inner wall of the interioroven cavity and extend a distance into the interior oven cavity. Ashroud is arranged in covering relationship over the convection heatingsystem including a face surface, an outer peripheral edge, and a pair oflegs coupled to the inner wall to offset the face surface a distancefrom the inner wall to define an interior shroud volume therebetween.The interior shroud volume has a sufficient size to contain theconvection heating system. The shroud further includes a pair of intakeapertures extending through the face surface for supplying air from theinterior oven cavity to each of the first and second fans and a pair ofexhaust apertures for discharging the first and second airflows backinto the interior oven cavity. Each exhaust aperture is located adjacenta respective one of the fans and is defined between the outer peripheraledge and the inner wall of the interior oven cavity. A baffle is locatedwithin the interior shroud volume and generally between the first andsecond fans. The baffle extends generally between the inner wall and theshroud to divide the interior shroud volume into at least a firstsub-volume adjacent the first fan and a second sub-volume adjacent thesecond fan. The baffle inhibits fluid communication between the firstand second sub-volumes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the presentinvention relates upon reading the following description with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is front view of an example convection heating system coupled toan inner wall of an example oven in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but shows an example shroud removed fromthe convection heating system;

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1, but shows the example shroud in phantom andexample sub-volumes within the shroud in accordance with another aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an example heating element and anexample baffle in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of another example shroud in accordance withanother aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the example convection heating system ofFIG. 1 located within an example oven.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An example embodiment of a device that incorporates aspects of thepresent invention is shown in the drawings. It is to be appreciated thatthe shown example is not intended to be a limitation on the presentinvention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention canbe utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices.

Turning initially to FIGS. 1 and 7, an example convection heating system10 is shown for use in an example oven 12 (see FIG. 7). The convectionheating system 10 can be used in various ovens having various heatingelements (e.g., electric, gas, infrared, microwave, etc.) for heatingand cooking food or other items located within the oven 12. As shown,the oven 12 generally has an interior cavity 14 for receiving the foodor other items to be cooked. The interior cavity 14 is bounded by aplurality of inner walls, such as a top wall, bottom wall, side walls,and a rear wall 16, and is selectively closed by a door 18 that can alsoform an inner wall. As shown and described herein, the convectionheating system 10 is coupled to the real wall 16, though it is to beappreciated that the convection heating system 10 can be coupled to anyinner wall of the interior cavity 14, including to more than one innerwall. Moreover, for clarity, only the rear wall 16 is illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 and 5.

Turning to FIGS. 1-2, the convection heating system 10 includes aplurality of fans to develop a flow of heated air within the interiorcavity 14 of the oven 12. The fans can be of various types, such asaxial, radial, and/or centrifugal fans. As shown, the plurality of fans20, 22 can include a first fan 20 and a second fan 22, though variousother numbers of fans can also be used. The fans 20, 22 can be similar,or even different. Additionally, the fans 20, 22 can be arrangedvariously about the interior cavity 14. For example, as shown, the fans20, 22 can be arranged horizontally adjacent to each other. In additionor alternatively, the fans 20, 22 can be arranged vertically adjacent,angularly adjacent, or even spaced an extended distance from each other.Each of the fans 20, 22 can be powered individually, such as by anelectric motor 21 (see FIG. 5) or the like. In addition oralternatively, a plurality of the fans can be powered by a single motorvia a gear train, pulley system, or the like (not shown).

The fans 20, 22 can rotate in the same direction to provide a pluralityof air flows within the interior cavity 14. For example the first fan 20can provide a first air flow 24, while the second fan 22 can provide asecond air flow 26. Where the fans 20, 22 rotate in the same direction,the first and second air flows 24, 26 can similarly rotate in the samedirection to provide a flow of heated air throughout the interior cavity14. Alternatively, at least two of the fans 20, 22 can also beconfigured to counter-rotate, and/or can even be configured to alter therotational direction.

Each fan 20, 22 can intake air from the interior oven cavity 14, cancirculate the air over a heating element 28 that heats the air, and canexhaust the heated air back into the interior oven cavity 14. A singleheating element 28 can be used, though a plurality of heating elementsmay also be used. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the heating element 28 canbe a single, conventional electrical resistance element having a portionthat at least partially surrounds each of the first and second fans 20,22. For example, a first portion 30 can at least partially surround thefirst fan 20, while a second portion 32 can at least partially surroundthe second fan 22. The heating element 28 can also include one or moreends 34 that are operatively coupled to a power source. The singleheating element 28 can have a generally uniform temperature, and as aresult, the heated air provided by each of the fans 20, 22 can be of agenerally uniform temperature. In addition or alternatively, the heatingelement 28 can also include a gas-fired source, an infrared energysource, etc. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to heatingelements that are located directly in the exhaust path of the fans 20,22. Instead, the heating elements can be located variously about theinterior oven cavity 14, such as on other walls or the like, and/or caneven include a broiler heating unit or the like.

A shroud 36 is generally arranged in a covering relationship over theconvection heating system 10. For example, the fans 20, 22 and theconvection heating element 28 can be coupled to the rear wall 16 and canextend a distance into the interior oven cavity 14. Thus, the shroud 36generally includes a face surface 37 offset a distance from the rearwall 16 to provide an interior shroud volume 42 defined between the facesurface 37 and the rear wall 16 for containing the various elements ofthe convection heating system 10. As a result, the shroud 36 can provideprotection for the various elements of the convection heating system 10.The shroud 36 further includes at least one leg 39 for coupling theshroud 36 to the rear wall 16. The at least one leg 39 can also offsetthe face surface 37 a desired distance from the rear wall 16, such as toprovide the interior shroud volume 42 with a sufficient size togenerally contain the convection heating system 10. For example, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the shroud 36 can include a pair of legs 39arranged at the top and bottom thereof. In addition or alternatively,the shroud can also include a pair of legs 41 arranged towards oppositesides thereof. Any or all of the legs 39, 41 can be coupled to the rearwall 16 in various manners, such as, for example, mechanical fasteners,snaps, clips, adhesives, welding, etc. In another example, a portion ofthe legs 39, 41 can interlock with a portion of the rear wall 16. Still,the shroud 36 can include various numbers of legs having variousgeometries. Moreover, the shroud 36 can also include structure tofacilitate establishing, maintaining, and/or directing the variousairflows 24, 26 within the interior oven cavity 14.

The shroud 36 includes at least one intake aperture for supplying airfrom the interior oven cavity 14 one or more of the fans 20, 22. Forexample, as shown, the shroud 36 can include a first intake aperture 38adjacent the first fan 20, and a second intake aperture 40 adjacent thesecond fan 22. Thus, each fan 20, 22 can receive an independent supplyof air. Any or all of the intake apertures can extend through the facesurface 37 of the shroud 36, or can also be at various other locations,such as in the space between the shroud 36 and the rear wall 16. Eachintake aperture 38, 40 can also include various geometries. For example,as shown, each intake aperture 38, 40 can have a generally circulargeometry similar to the geometry of the fans 20, 22. The intakeapertures 38, 40 can also include other geometries, such as curvedgeometries, random geometries, or polygonal geometries, such as square,rectangular, elliptical, triangular, etc.

In addition or alternatively, the intake apertures 38, 40 can alsoinclude a plurality of adjacent openings, including various geometriesthat are arranged in a generally grid-like array that can act as ascreen or filter to inhibit, such as prevent, relatively large objectsfrom impacting the fans 20, 22 and/or the heating element 28. Moreover,the intake apertures 38, 40 can have an intake area that is less than,greater than, or generally equal to a frontal area of the fans 20, 22,and can even include a variable intake area. Alternatively, the shroudcan also include a reduced number of intake apertures for supplying airto a portion of the fans. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the shroud136 can include single intake aperture 138 for supplying air to all ofthe fans 20, 22.

The shroud 36 also includes at least one exhaust aperture fordischarging the air from the plurality of fans 20, 22 back into theinterior oven cavity 14. For example, as shown, the shroud 36 caninclude a first exhaust aperture 43 adjacent the first fan 20, and asecond exhaust aperture 45 adjacent the second fan 22. The exhaustapertures 43, 45 can be located on the sides of the shroud 36 generallyin the spacing gap provided between the face surface 37 and the rearwall 16. For example, the shroud 36 can include an outer peripheral edge47, and each of the exhaust apertures 43, 45 can be located adjacent oneof the plurality of fans 20, 22 and defined between the outer peripheraledge 47 and the rear wall 16 of the interior oven cavity 14. Still, theexhaust apertures 43, 45 can also be disposed at various otherlocations. In addition or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, eachexhaust aperture 43, 45 can be separated into a plurality of exhaustapertures by one or more of the legs 39, 41. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5, each exhaust aperture 143, 145 can also be a unitary aperture.In addition or alternatively, any or all of the exhaust apertures 43, 45can include structure (not shown) configured to alter the exhaust airflow 24, 26, such as to alter the velocity, pressure, direction, spin,etc.

As described herein, the fans 20, 22 can intake air from the oven cavity14 through the intake apertures 38, 40, and can subsequently exhaustsaid air back into the oven cavity 14 through the exhaust apertures 43,45. However, unmanaged air flow within the interior shroud volume 42 cancreate an inefficient and/or uneven air flow condition, leading toundesirable cooking or drying of foods within the oven 12.

Accordingly, a baffle 50 can be provided within the shroud 36 andgenerally between adjacent ones of the plurality of fans 20, 22. Thebaffle 50 can inhibit, such as prevent, mixture of the air flows 24, 26of each of the fans 20, 22 within the shroud 36. For example, withoutthe baffle 50, air flow provided by one fan can be reduced and/orredirected by air flow provided by an adjacent fan. However, the baffle50 can inhibit mixture of the air flows 24, 26 such that each fan 20, 22can provide an independent output generally unaffected by the otherfans. However, the fans 20, 22 may still provide some influence upon theoperation of the other fans. Moreover, it is be appreciated that thebaffle 50 can directly control the interaction of the air flows 24, 26within the interior shroud volume 42, though can also indirectly controlthe interaction of the air flows 24, 26 outside of the interior shroudvolume 42.

The baffle 50 can be located generally within the interior shroud volume42 and between adjacent fans 20, 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,the baffle 50 can be located approximately centrally between twohorizontally adjacent fans 20, 22. Still, the baffle 50 can also bebiased towards either of the fans 20, 22, and/or can be located atvarious other locations. In addition or alternatively, the baffle 50 canbe oriented generally transverse to the rear wall 16 of the oven cavity14, though can also extend at various other angles between the shroud 36and the rear wall 16.

The baffle 50 can also extend generally between the rear wall 16 and theshroud 36. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the baffle 50 can be coupledto a portion of the rear wall 16 and can extend towards the shroud 36.In another example, not shown, the baffle 50 can be coupled to a portionof the shroud 36 and extend towards the rear wall 16. As shown in FIG.3, the baffle 50 can extend generally between the shroud 36 and the rearwall 16 so as divide the interior shroud volume 42 into at least a firstsub-volume 52 adjacent the first fan 20, and a second sub-volume 54adjacent the second fan 22. Thus, the baffle 50 can inhibit, such asprevent, fluid communication between the first and second sub-volumes52, 54. Further, the first and second sub-volumes 52, 54 can be ofgenerally similar size and/or geometry if the baffle 50 is locatedgenerally centrally therebetween. However, it is to be appreciated thatthe sub-volumes 52, 54 can have various geometries, and/or various othersub-volumes can also be created by the shroud 36, baffle 50, or variousother elements.

Moreover, the baffle 50 can be in contact with either or both of theshroud 36 and the rear wall 16, or can be spaced a distance therefrom.In addition or alternatively, a spacer or the like (not shown) can beprovided between the shroud and the rear wall 16. However, the baffle 50can be also configured to accommodate various elements within the shroud36, such as at least a portion of the convection heating element 28. Forexample, the baffle 50 can include an aperture 56 configured to permitthe single heating element 28 to extend therethrough. Still, it can bebeneficial to arrange the baffle 50 and aperture 56 so as to inhibit,such as prevent, interaction between the first and second exhaust airflows 24, 26.

In one example, each of the first and second fans 20, 22 can provide apositive pressure airflow 24, 26, respectively, directed generallyoutwards from the fan blades. Without the baffle 50, at least a portionof the air flows 24, 26 can interact with each other to alter thepressure zone therebetween, such as to create a relatively lowerpressure zone. Thus, the baffle 50 can reduce the interaction betweenthe positive pressure airflows 24, 26 to thereby inhibit, such asprevent, the formation of a relatively lower pressure zone between thefirst and second fans 20, 22. In another example, each of the first andsecond fans 20, 22 can provide airflows 24, 26 having a first flow rateand a second flow rate, respectively. Without the baffle 50, at least aportion of the air flows 24, 26 can interact with each other to alter,such as reduce, the first and/or second flow rates of exhaust air. Thus,the baffle 50 can control the interaction between the positive pressureairflows 24, 26 to thereby to reduce, such as prevent, a differencebetween the first and second flow rates. For example, the baffle 50 caninhibit the mixture between the first and second air flows 24, 26 suchthat the difference between the first and second air flow rate is lessthan or equal to ten percent, or even five percent, though various othervales are also contemplated. It is to be appreciated that the air flowrates can be measured in various manners, such as volumetric flow rates,mass air flow rates, etc. under similar conditions, and/or accountingfor appropriate adjusting variables. Accordingly, the exhaust air can beprovided by the fans 20, 22 in a relatively more efficient and evenmanner.

The oven 12 can also include various other elements. For example, abracket 60 can be coupled to the rear wall 16. The bracket 60 can becoupled to the rear wall 16 in various manners, including mechanicalfasteners, snaps, clips, adhesives, welding, etc. In another example, aportion 62 of the bracket 60 can interlock with a portion of the rearwall 16. The bracket 60 can also be configured to secure the heatingelement 28 to the rear wall 16. In addition or alternatively, thebracket 60 can also include an aperture 64 and/or a coupler (not shown)for receiving and coupling to a portion of the heating element 28. Thus,in one example, the bracket 60 and the heating element 28 can form asub-assembly that is secured to the rear wall 16 of the oven 12, thougheach component can also be separate. In addition or alternatively, thebaffle 50 can be coupled to a portion of the bracket 60 for maintainingthe location of the baffle 50 during operation of the convection heatingsystem 10. In one example, the baffle 50 can be a separate componentthat is coupled to the bracket 60 by way of mechanical fasteners, snaps,clips, adhesives, welding, interlocking engagement, etc. In anotherexample, the baffle 50 can be formed with a portion of the bracket 60,so as to provide a generally L-shaped geometry 66, T-shaped geometry, orthe like. In yet another example, the baffle 50 can be adjustablycoupled to the bracket 60 to permit adjustment of the baffle 50relatively to the bracket 60 and/or the shroud 36.

In another example, the oven 12 can include one or more spacers 70 forsecuring and/or supporting a portion of the heating element 28. Thespacers 70 can locate the heating element 28 adjacent to the fans 20, 22to facilitate heating air passing thereby. The spacers 70 can alsoinhibit, such as prevent, vibration of the heating element duringoperation of the fans 20, 22.

It is to be appreciated that although the air movement systems discussedherein feature a heating element for heating the air, the invention canalso be utilized in an air movement system that does not include aheating element. For example, some ovens include an air movement systemfor providing better air circulation within the oven cavity, withoutalso providing an additional convection heating system. In such anexample, a baffle arranged generally between adjacent fans can stillprovide a relatively more efficient and/or even air flow. In a similarexample, an oven that includes a convection heating system can include afeature for selectively disabling the heating element of a convectionheating system for providing only increased air circulation.

Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the present invention can also beused in various environments having various temperatures. For example,the present invention can be used in an ambient or even a refrigeratedenvironment. In a refrigerated environment, an evaporator or the likecan be disposed in the exhaust flow path to provide a cooled air flow.In addition or alternatively, the present invention can also be used invarious environments having various humidity levels, so as to use theair flow for increasing, decreasing, or maintaining the humidity level.The present invention can also be used in microwave ovens that the like.

The invention has been described with reference to the exampleembodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examplesembodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention areintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An oven, including: a main body portion including an interior cavityhaving an inner wall; a convection heating system for developing a flowof heated air within the interior cavity including a plurality of fanseach rotating in the same direction to provide a plurality of airflows,and a single convection heating element for heating the plurality ofairflows; a shroud arranged in covering relationship over the convectionheating system including at least one intake aperture for supplying airfrom the interior cavity to the plurality of fans and a plurality ofexhaust apertures for discharging air from the plurality of fans backinto the interior cavity; and a baffle located within the shroud andgenerally between adjacent ones of the plurality of fans, the baffleinhibiting mixture of the airflows of each of the fans within theshroud.
 2. The oven of claim 1, further including a bracket coupled tothe inner wall for securing the single heating element to the innerwall, wherein the baffle is coupled to a portion of the bracket formaintaining the location of the baffle during operation of theconvection heating system.
 3. The oven of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof fans includes a first fan and a second fan, and wherein the baffleextends generally between the inner wall and the shroud to divide theshroud into at least a first sub-volume adjacent the first fan and asecond sub-volume adjacent the second fan, the baffle inhibiting fluidcommunication between the first and second sub-volumes.
 4. The oven ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of fans includes a first fan and a secondfan that each provide a positive pressure airflow, and wherein thebaffle is located adjacent the shroud and generally between the firstand second fans to reduce interaction of the first and second positivepressure airflows to thereby inhibit the formation of a relatively lowerpressure zone between the first and second fans.
 5. The oven of claim 1,wherein the baffle is oriented transverse to the inner wall and extendsgenerally between the inner wall and the shroud.
 6. The oven of claim 1,wherein the plurality of fans includes a first fan providing an airflowhaving a first flow rate and a second fan providing a second airflowhaving a second flow rate, and wherein the baffle inhibits mixture ofthe airflows such that a difference between the first and second flowrates is less than or equal to 5% (five percent).
 7. The oven of claim1, wherein the plurality of fans are arranged horizontally adjacent toeach other.
 8. The oven of claim 7, wherein the baffle is locatedapproximately centrally between two horizontally adjacent fans.
 9. Theoven of claim 1, wherein the baffle includes an aperture adapted topermit the single heating element to extend therethrough.
 10. The ovenof claim 1, wherein the shroud includes an outer peripheral edge, eachof the plurality of exhaust apertures being located adjacent one of theplurality of fans and defined between the outer peripheral edge and theinner wall of the interior cavity.
 11. The oven of claim 1, wherein aportion of the heating element at least partially surrounds each of thefans.
 12. The oven of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fans and thesingle convection heating element are coupled to an inner wall of theinterior cavity and extend a distance into the interior oven cavity. 13.The oven of claim 1, wherein the shroud includes a face surface and atleast one leg coupled to the inner wall to offset the face surface adistance therefrom.
 14. An oven, including: a main body portionincluding an interior oven cavity having an inner wall; a convectionheating system for developing a flow of heated air within the interioroven cavity including a first fan providing a first airflow, a secondfan providing a second airflow and rotating in the same direction as thefirst fan, and a convection heating element for heating both of thefirst and second airflows; a bracket coupled to the inner wall forsecuring the single heating element to the inner wall; a shroud arrangedin covering relationship over the convection heating system and thebracket, the shroud further including at least one intake aperture forsupplying air from the interior oven cavity to the first and second fansand a plurality of exhaust apertures for discharging the first andsecond airflows back into the interior oven cavity; and a baffle locatedwithin the shroud and generally between the first and second fans, thebaffle being coupled to a portion of the bracket for maintaining thelocation of the baffle during operation of the convection heatingsystem, the baffle inhibiting mixture of the first and second airflowswithin shroud.
 15. The oven of claim 14, wherein the baffle extendsgenerally between the inner wall and the shroud to divide the shroudinto at least a first sub-volume adjacent the first fan and a secondsub-volume adjacent the second fan, the baffle inhibiting fluidcommunication between the first and second sub-volumes.
 16. The oven ofclaim 14, wherein the first and second fans each provide a positivepressure airflow, and wherein the baffle is located adjacent the shroudand generally between the first and second fans to reduce interaction ofthe first and second positive pressure airflows to thereby inhibit theformation of a relatively lower pressure zone between the first andsecond fans.
 17. The oven of claim 14, wherein the first fan provides anairflow having a first flow rate and the second fan provides a secondairflow having a second flow rate, and wherein the baffle inhibits themixture of the airflows such that the difference between the first andsecond flow rates is less than or equal to 5% (five percent).
 18. Theoven of claim 14, wherein the first fan is arranged horizontallyadjacent to the second fan, the baffle being located approximatelycentrally between the first and second fans.
 19. The oven of claim 14,wherein the baffle includes an aperture adapted to permit the convectionheating element to extend therethrough.
 20. The oven of claim 14,wherein each of the fans and the convection heating element are coupledto an inner wall of the interior oven cavity and extend a distance intothe interior oven cavity.
 21. The oven of claim 14, wherein the shroudincludes a face surface and pair of legs coupled to the inner wall tooffset the face surface a distance therefrom.
 22. An oven, including: amain body portion including an interior oven cavity; a convectionheating system for developing a flow of heated air within the interioroven cavity including a first rotatable fan providing a first airflow, asecond rotatable fan providing a second airflow and rotating in the samedirection as the first rotatable fan, and a single convection heatingelement for heating both of the first and second airflows, each of thefans and the convection heating element being coupled to an inner wallof the interior oven cavity and extending a distance into the interioroven cavity; a shroud arranged in covering relationship over theconvection heating system including a face surface, an outer peripheraledge, and a pair of legs coupled to the inner wall to offset the facesurface a distance from the inner wall to define an interior shroudvolume therebetween, the interior shroud volume having a sufficient sizeto contain the convection heating system, the shroud further including apair of intake apertures extending through the face surface forsupplying air from the interior oven cavity to each of the first andsecond fans and a pair of exhaust apertures for discharging the firstand second airflows back into the interior oven cavity, each exhaustaperture being located adjacent a respective one of the fans and beingdefined between the outer peripheral edge and the inner wall of theinterior oven cavity; and a baffle located within the interior shroudvolume and generally between the first and second fans, the baffleextending generally between the inner wall and the shroud to divide theinterior shroud volume into at least a first sub-volume adjacent thefirst fan and a second sub-volume adjacent the second fan, the baffleinhibiting fluid communication between the first and second sub-volumes.23. The oven of claim 22, further including a bracket coupled to theinner wall for securing the single heating element to the inner wall,wherein the baffle is coupled to a portion of the bracket formaintaining the location of the baffle during operation of theconvection heating system.
 24. The oven of claim 22, wherein the firstfan is arranged horizontally adjacent to the second fan and the baffleis located approximately centrally between the first and second fanssuch that the first sub-volume is approximately equal in size to thesecond sub-volume.
 25. The oven of claim 22, wherein the baffle includesan aperture having a size and geometry adapted to permit the singleconvection heating element to extend through the aperture, whileinhibiting fluid communication between the first and second sub-volumesthrough the aperture.